Kew - final trip to the orchids

 Another cold dull day.. but brightened up by a final trip to the Orchids 2026.

Kim's niece was visiting, so they went off on their own as she didn't have an orchid timeslot

she still got me though! 

I headed for the POW 

I was going to use the macro today 

some of the big tubs of orchids have had some flowers removed and didn't look so full. 

the dragon was still looking good though 

top of his head 

the jade vine is more vibrant than this photo shows

this, representing the moon, also looks as if some of it's contents have suffered over the 5 weeks

towards the bottom of the steps they still look good though

I shall definitely miss the 2 pandas though

the rhododendron near the pandas is looking good

first of the arches.  I did think about changing lens but decided not to

the tiger was good, too 

I liked the pheonixes too

the final arch before heading through to the arid room

bye, horsey!  

walked round the side of the POW - good view of the Hive behind the gorgeous magnolia

I'd changed lens now 

paused briefly by the entrance to the carbon garden 

I crossed over the Broad Walk and headed down the path that leads to the big magnolia dell 

I was trying to get the pinkness of this but the dull day didn't help.

drift of daffodils near the children's playground as you turn left for the magnolias 

a lot of them have finished already 

there are single magnolias dotted along the path

before you reach the  main event..

time for close ups.

the ground was very squelchy again, they need to fork it again to help drainage. 

I love the centres of the flowers

these deeper pink ones look ok with the grey backdrop

was very squishy here as the ground has been well trodden 

at the lake now.  I think he was waiting for Kim...

the heron flew across the lake and landed by this tree.  

Dave was there (that's his rucksack)  looking for chicks or squirrels in the tree) 

I carried on 

past the treetop walkway

and into the Davies Exploration house - not been to see my daisies lately!

before going  into the Temperate House I stopped at this big tree nearby - I think it's the one we saw last summer laden with plums

it was pretty, but would have been better in the sun

into the TH from the far end 

I love these stripy ones

up to the viewing platform 

looking down on a statue from the staircase 

the waterfall in the TH seemed a little more open, I think some of the planting round it has been cut back

outside, the tulips in Cherry Walk are growing - another treat to look forward to before long

heading across the grass towards the gallery

there are lots of areas cordoned off as they are starting to prepare for the upcoming Henry Moore sculptures that will be on display from May to September 

the winter garden

the hellebores are still everywhere 

some of the dogwood is growing leaves now

the edgworthia is bursting open 

the layers look good as the levels change in the garden 

Camellia Walk on the way back to the entrance

pausing by the temple of Bellona

daffodils at the back of it 

I walked through the shop and cafe but the tables were full and the cakes looked bashed about so I didn't stop to eat or drink!

Palm House.

I remembered I had seen the weeping cherry tree on FB was flowering and it doesn't last that long so...

there were quite a few people admiring it (i.e. getting in my way) 

I crouched down to change lens (and keep out of someone's way taking a group photo) 

doubling back on myself to leave I noticed the weeping willow on the other side of the path looked like it was growing out of the lion's head 

cherry tree by the cafe 

I'd put the camera away but at the exit took the big tubs on my phone managing to avoid most people entering 

thanks for looking.  Hope you come back next week. - let's hope we have sun